We have a growing lack of faith in the ability of major parties to effectively represent local interests. As a consequence, minor parties and independents are to the fore.
The emergence of Kevin Mack as an independent candidate for Farrer in the upcoming federal election, with backing from the locally supported Voices for Farrer campaign, will create the most interesting contest seen since Sussan Ley narrowly won the seat nearly two decades ago.
Mr Mack has a mountain to climb if he is to win Farrer, but so have other candidates who have been able to win previously safe seats in recent times.
In trying to replicate the efforts of Voices for Indi, the Deniliquin backed Voices for Farrer campaign has a strong and articulate candidate who will no doubt give Ms Ley a run for her money.
And with widespread dissatisfaction around Ms Ley’s performance, especially on the key issue of water policy, he is certain to attract lots of support.
We believe there could be a huge shake-up in local politics over coming months.
As we have previously stated, Member for Murray Austin Evans will be under huge pressure to retain his seat.
His efforts were not helped at the weekend when Deputy Premier John Barilaro launched The Nationals campaign, but yet again failed to provide anything that would give this region confidence he is listening to concerns and prepared to do something about them.
Mr Barilaro has spruiked his Safe and Secure water policy, but the NSW Murray has again been ignored. This is despite a positive reaction from Mr Barilaro when the idea of a water fund was presented to him in October, a suggestion which both the leader and his local member, Mr Evans, continue to conveniently ignore.
Our two incumbent MPs - Ms Ley and Mr Evans - need to do a lot more in coming weeks and months if they are to rejuvenate any confidence among many people that they are best placed to represent our region in their respective parliaments.
Perhaps with a fight on their hands we will see a greater commitment to addressing key policy areas, especially water, than has been the case thus far.
If they continue along their present path our prediction is that Mr Evans is unlikely to be re-elected and Ms Ley will, at best, have her margin significantly reduced.
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